5,6-disubstituted oxindole-derivatives and use thereof for treating vasopressin-dependent diseases

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel 5,6-disubstituted oxindole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and their use for the manufacture of a medicament.

The present invention relates to novel substituted oxindole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and their use for the treatment of vasopressin-dependent disorders.

Vasopressin is an endogenous hormone which exerts various effects on organs and tissues. It is suspected that the vasopressin system is involved in various pathological states such as, for example, heart failure and high blood pressure. At present, three receptors (V1a, V1b or V3 and V2) via which vasopressin mediates its numerous effects are known. Antagonists of these receptors are therefore being investigated as possible new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diseases (M. Thibonnier, Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1998, 7(5), 729-740).

Novel substituted oxindoles having a phenylsulfonyl group in position 1 are described herein. 1-Phenylsulfonyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-ones have previously been described as ligands of vasopressin receptors. WO 93/15051, WO 95/18105, WO 98/25901, WO 01/55130, WO 01/55134, WO 01/164668 and WO 01/98295 also describe derivatives having arylsulfonyl groups in position 1 of the oxindole structure. These compounds differ from the compounds of the invention essentially through the substituents in position 3.

Thus, WO 93/15051 and WO 98/25901 describe 1-phenylsulfonyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-ones, in which the oxindole structure is substituted in position 3 by two alkyl radicals which may also together form a cycloalkyl radical (spiro linkage), as ligands of vasopressin receptors. As alternative, the spiro ring may comprise heteroatoms such as oxygen and nitrogen (optionally with substituents).

WO 95/18105 describes 1-phenylsulfonyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-ones having a nitrogen atom in position 3 as ligands of vasopressin receptors. In addition, radicals selected from optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl radicals are bonded in position 3.

WO 03/008407 describes 1-phenylsulfonyloxindoles in which pyridylpiperazines are linked via a urea, carbamate or 2-oxoethyl group to the oxindole in position 3.

WO 2005/030755 relates to 1-phenylsulfonyloxindoles in which piperidylpiperazines or piperazinylpiperidines are linked via a urea, carbamate or 2-oxoethyl group to the oxindole in position 3. However, 5,6-disubstituted oxindoles are not specifically described.

Besides the binding affinity for the vasopressin V1b receptor, further properties may be advantageous for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of vasopressin-dependent disorders, such as, for example:

1.) a selectivity for the vasopressin V1b receptor compared with the vasopressin V1a receptor, i.e. the quotient of the binding affinity for the V1a receptor (Ki(V1a) (determined in the unit “nanomolar (nM)”) and the binding affinity for the V1b receptor (Ki(V1b)) (determined in the unit “nanomolar (nM)”). A larger quotient Ki(V1a)/Ki(V1b) means a greater V1b selectivity;

2.) a selectivity for the vasopressin V1b receptor compared with the vasopressin V2 receptor, i.e. the quotient of the binding affinity for the V2 receptor (Ki(V2) (determined in the unit “nanomolar (nM)”) and the binding affinity for the V1b receptor (Ki(V1b)) (determined in the unit “nanomolar (nM)”). A larger quotient Ki(V2)/Ki(V1b) means a greater V1b selectivity;

3.) a selectivity for the vasopressin V1b receptor compared with the oxytocin OT receptor, i.e. the quotient of the binding affinity for the OT receptor (Ki(OT) (determined in the unit “nanomolar (nM)”) and the binding affinity for the V1b receptor (Ki(V1b)) (determined in the unit “nanomolar (nM)”). A larger quotient Ki(OT)/Ki(V1b) means a greater V1b selectivity.

4.) the metabolic stability, for example determined from the half-lives, measured in vitro, in liver microsomes from various species (e.g. rat or human);

5.) no or only low inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes: cytochrome P450 (CYP) is the name for a superfamily of heme proteins having enzymatic activity (oxidase). They are also particularly important for the degradation (metabolism) of foreign substances such as drugs or xenobiotics in mammalian organisms. The principal representatives of the types and subtypes of CYP in the human body are: CYP 1A2, CYP 2C9, CYP 2D6 and CYP 3A4. If CYP 3A4 inhibitors (e.g. grapefruit juice, cimetidine, erythromycin) are used at the same time as medicinal substances which are degraded by this enzyme system and thus compete for the same binding site on the enzyme, the degradation thereof may be slowed down and thus effects and side effects of the administered medicinal substance may be undesirably enhanced;

6.) a suitable solubility in water (in mg/ml);

7.) suitable pharmacokinetics (time course of the concentration of the compound of the invention in plasma or in tissue, for example brain). The pharmacokinetics can be described by the following parameters: half-life (in h), volume of distribution (in l·kg⁻¹), plasma clearance (in l·h⁻¹·kg⁻¹), AUC (area under the curve, area under the concentration-time curve, in ng·h·l⁻¹), oral bioavailability (the dose-normalized ratio of AUC after oral administration and AUC after intravenous administration), the so-called brain-plasma ratio (the ratio of AUC in brain tissue and AUC in plasma);

8.) no or only low blockade of the hERG channel: compounds which block the hERG channel may cause a prolongation of the QT interval and thus lead to serious disturbances of cardiac rhythm (for example so-called “torsade de pointes”). The potential of compounds to block the hERG channel can be determined by means of the displacement assay with radiolabelled dofetilide which is described in the literature (G. J. Diaz et al., Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods, 50 (2004), 187-199). A smaller IC50 in this dofetilide assay means a greater probability of potent hERG blockade. In addition, the blockade of the hERG channel can be measured by electrophysiological experiments on cells which have been transfected with the hERG channel, by so-called whole-cell patch clamping (G. J. Diaz et al., Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods, 50 (2004), 187-199).

It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide compounds for the treatment or prophylaxis of various vasopressin-dependent diseases. The compounds were intended to have a high activity and selectivity, especially a high affinity and selectivity vis-à-vis the vasopressin V1b receptor. In addition, the substance of the invention was intended to have one or more of the aforementioned advantages 1.) to 8.).

The object is achieved by compounds of the formula I

in which

-   -   R¹ and R² are independently of one another hydrogen,         C₁-C₃-alkyl, C₁-C₃-fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxy,         C₁-C₃-fluoroalkoxy, halogen or CN;     -   R³ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy, fluorinated ethoxy or isopropoxy;     -   R⁵ is H or methyl;     -   R⁶ is Br, Cl, For CN;     -   R⁷ is Cl, F or CN;     -   R⁸ and R⁹ are independently of one another C₁-C₃-alkyl or         C₁-C₃-fluoroalkyl;     -   X¹ is O, NH or CH₂;     -   X² and X³ are N or CH, with the proviso that X² and X³ are not         simultaneously N;     -   X⁴ is N or CH;     -   a and b are independently of one another 0, 1 or 2; and     -   m, n, o and p are independently of one another 1, 2 or 3;     -   and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs         thereof.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to compounds of the formula I (also “compounds I” hereinafter) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds I and the prodrugs of the compounds I.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of the formula I, which are also referred to as physiologically tolerated salts, are ordinarily obtainable by reacting the free base of the compounds I of the invention (i.e. of the compounds I according to structural formula I) with suitable acids. Examples of suitable acids are listed in “Fortschritte der Arzneimittelforschung”, 1966, Birkhäuser Verlag, vol. 10, pp. 224-285. These include for example hydrochloric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid and fumaric acid.

The term “prodrugs” means compounds which are metabolized in vivo to the compounds I of the invention. Typical examples of prodrugs are described in C. G. Wermeth (editor): The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry, Academic Press, San Diego, 1996, pages 671-715. These include for example phosphates, carbamates, amino acids, esters, amides, peptides, ureas and the like. Suitable prodrugs in the present case may be for example compounds I in which the outer nitrogen atom of the outer nitrogen-containing ring forms an amide/peptide linkage by this nitrogen atom being substituted by a C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyl group, e.g. by acetyl, propionyl, n-propylcarbonyl, isopropylcarbonyl, n-butylcarbonyl or tert-butylcarbonyl (pivaloyl), by benzoyl, or by an amino acid residue linked via CO, e.g. glycine, alanine, serine, phenylalanine and the like linked via CO, in the position of the radical R³. Further suitable prodrugs are alkylcarbonyloxyalkyl carbamates in which the outer nitrogen atom of the outer nitrogen-containing ring has in the position of the radical R³ a group of the formula —C(═O)—O—CHR^(a)—O—C(═O)—R^(b) in which R^(a) and R^(b) are independently of one another C₁-C₄-alkyl. Such carbamates are described for example in J. Alexander, R. Cargill, S. R. Michelson, H. Schwam, J. Medicinal Chem. 1988, 31(2), 318-322. These groups can then be eliminated under metabolic conditions and result in compounds I in which R³ is H.

C₁-C₃-Alkyl is in the context of the present invention a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl.

C₁-C₄-Alkyl is in the context of the present invention a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl.

C₁-C₃-Fluoroalkyl is in the context of the present invention a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms as defined above, in which at least one hydrogen atom, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 hydrogen atoms, are replaced by fluorine atoms. Example thereof are fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 1- and 2-fluoroethyl, 1,1-, 1,2- and 2,2-difluoroethyl, 1,1,2-, 1,2,2 and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 1-, 2- and 3-fluoroprop-1-yl, 1,1-, 1,2-, 1,3-, 2,2-, 2,3- and 3,3-difluoroprop-1-yl, 1,1,2-, 1,2,2-, 1,1,3-, 2,2,3-, 1,2,3- and 3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-yl, 1- and 2-fluoroprop-2-yl, 1,1- and 1,3-difluoroprop-2-yl, 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-2-yl and the like.

C₁-C₃-Alkoxy is in the context of the present invention a linear or branched alkyl radical linked via an oxygen atom and having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy and isopropoxy.

C₁-C₃-Fluoroalkoxy is in the context of the present invention a linear or branched alkyl radical linked via an oxygen atom and having 1 to 3 carbon atoms as defined above, in which at least one hydrogen atom, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 hydrogen atoms, are replaced by fluorine atoms. Example thereof are fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 1- and 2-fluoroethoxy, 1,1-, 1,2- and 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 1,1,2-, 1,2,2 and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, pentafluoroethoxy, 1-, 2- and 3-fluoroprop-1-oxy, 1,1-, 1,2-, 1,3-, 2,2-, 2,3- and 3,3-difluoroprop-1-oxy, 1,1,2-, 1,2,2-, 1,1,3-, 2,2,3-, 1,2,3- and 3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-oxy, 1- and 2-fluoroprop-2-oxy, 1,1- and 1,3-difluoroprop-2-oxy, 1,1,1-trifluoroprop-2-oxy and the like.

Fluorinated ethoxy is in the context of the present invention ethoxy in which 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms. Examples are 1-fluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 1,1-difluoroethoxy, 1,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 1,1,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy and 1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethoxy.

Halogen is in the context of the present invention fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

The compounds of the invention of the formula I, their pharmacologically acceptable salts and their prodrugs may also be present in the form of solvates or hydrates. Solvates mean in the context of the present invention crystalline forms of the compounds I or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof which comprise solvent molecules incorporated in the crystal lattice. The solvent molecules are preferably incorporated in stoichiometric ratios. Hydrates are a specific form of solvates; the solvent in this case is water.

The statements made hereinafter concerning suitable and preferred features of the invention, especially concerning the variables R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, X¹, X², X³, X⁴, a, b, m, n, o and p in the compound I, but also concerning the features of the process of the invention and of the use according to the invention apply both taken on their own and preferably in any possible combination with one another.

The compounds I are preferably provided in the form of the free base (i.e. according to structural formula I) or in the form of their acid addition salts.

In a preferred embodiment, R¹ and R² are independently of one another hydrogen, C₁-C₃-alkoxy or C₁-C₃-fluoroalkoxy. In this connection, C₁-C₃-alkoxy in the definition of the radicals R¹ and R² is preferably ethoxy or methoxy and is specifically methoxy. C₁-C₃-Fluoroalkoxy is preferably C₁-C₂-fluoroalkoxy, i.e. is fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 1- and 2-fluoroethoxy, 1,1-, 1,2- and 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 1,1,2-, 1,2,2 and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, pentafluoroethoxy, is preferably fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, and is specifically trifluoromethoxy.

In a preferred embodiment, R¹ is hydrogen, methoxy, ethoxy, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy or trifluoromethoxy, is particularly preferably hydrogen, methoxy or trifluoromethoxy, is more preferably hydrogen or methoxy and is specifically methoxy.

In a preferred embodiment, R² is hydrogen or methoxy and is specifically methoxy.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the radicals R¹ and R² is methoxy. R¹ and R² are specifically methoxy.

In a preferred embodiment, R³ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl, is particularly preferably hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, is in particular methyl or ethyl and is specifically methyl.

In a preferred embodiment, R⁴ is ethoxy and R⁵ is H. In this case, X⁴ is N or CH and is preferably N.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, R⁴ is ethoxy and R⁵ is methyl. In this case, X⁴ is preferably N.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, R⁴ is isopropoxy and R⁵ is H. In this case, X⁴ is preferably N.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, R⁴ is fluorinated ethoxy, is preferably 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy and is particularly preferably 2,2-difluoroethoxy, and R⁵ is H. In this case, X⁴ is N or CH and is specifically CH.

X⁴ is particularly preferably N.

R⁴ is particularly preferably ethoxy and R⁵ is H. In this case, X⁴ is N or CH and is preferably N.

In a preferred embodiment, R⁶ and R⁷ are not simultaneously CN.

At least one of the radicals R⁶ and R⁷ is preferably fluorine. Particularly preferably in this case R⁷ is fluorine and R⁶ is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or CN, is preferably fluorine, chlorine or CN and is particularly preferably Cl or CN.

In a preferred embodiment, R⁸ and R⁹ are methyl or ethyl.

In a preferred embodiment, X¹ is NH.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, X¹ is O.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, X¹ is CH₂.

X¹ is particularly preferably NH or O and especially NH.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the variables X², X³ is N and the other is CH.

In a particularly preferred embodiment in this connection, X² is N and X³ is CH.

In an alternatively particularly preferred embodiment, X² is CH and X³ is N.

In an alternatively preferred embodiment, both variables X², X³ are CH.

In a preferred embodiment, a and b are independently of one another 0 or 1 and especially 0.

If a and/or b are not equal to 0, it is self-evident that the radicals R⁸ and/or R⁹ are bonded to one of m, n, o or p CH₂ groups, where they replace in each case one hydrogen atom of this CH₂ group.

In a preferred embodiment, m, n, o and p are independently of one another 1 or 2.

Accordingly, m and n are preferably 1 or m and n are 2 or m is 1 and n is 2 or m is 2 and n is 1. It is particularly preferred for m and n to be 2.

Accordingly, o and p are preferably 1 or o and p are 2 or o is 1 and p is 2 or o is 2 and p is 1. It is particularly preferred for o and p to be 2.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to compounds of the formula I.A

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ have the general meanings indicated previously or in particular the preferred meanings indicated previously.

The invention preferably relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is hydrogen, methoxy or trifluoromethoxy, preferably hydrogen         or methoxy;     -   R² is hydrogen or methoxy;     -   R³ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl, preferably         hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, particularly preferably methyl or         ethyl     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl, F or CN, preferably Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F or Cl, preferably F;     -   X¹ is NH, O or CH₂;     -   X² is N or CH;     -   X³ is N or CH;     -   X⁴ is N,     -   where X² and X³ are not simultaneously N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is hydrogen, methoxy or trifluoromethoxy, preferably hydrogen         or methoxy;     -   R² is hydrogen or methoxy;     -   R³ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl, preferably         hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, particularly preferably methyl or         ethyl;     -   R⁴ is 2,2-difluoroethoxy or ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl, F or CN, preferably Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F or Cl, preferably F;     -   X¹ is NH, O or CH₂;     -   X² is N or CH;     -   X³ is N or CH;     -   X⁴ is CH     -   where X² and X³ are not simultaneously N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention particularly preferably relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is hydrogen or methoxy;     -   R² is hydrogen or methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl, F or CN, preferably Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F or Cl, preferably F;     -   X¹ is NH, O or CH₂;     -   X² is N or CH;     -   X³ is N or CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   where X² and X³ are not simultaneously N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention particularly preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is hydrogen or methoxy;     -   R² is hydrogen or methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is 2,2-difluoroethoxy or ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl, F or CN, preferably Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F or Cl, preferably F;     -   X¹ is NH, O or CH₂;     -   X² is N or CH;     -   X³ is N or CH;     -   X⁴ is CH;     -   where X² and X³ are not simultaneously N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention more preferably relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or H;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;

R⁴ is ethoxy;

-   -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl, F or CN, preferably Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH, O or CH₂;     -   X² is N or CH;     -   X³ is N or CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   where X² and X³ are not simultaneously N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or H;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl, F or CN, preferably Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH, O or CH₂;     -   X² is N or CH;     -   X³ is N or CH;     -   X⁴ is CH;     -   where X² and X³ are not simultaneously N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is CH₂;     -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is CH₂;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or hydrogen;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;

X¹ is O;

-   -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or hydrogen;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is O;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or hydrogen;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is CH;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention even more preferably relates alternatively to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or hydrogen;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl or CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is CH;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is CH₂;     -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is Cl;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is CH₂;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is NH;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or hydrogen;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X′ is O;     -   X² is N;     -   X³ is CH;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also particularly relates to compounds of the formula I.A in which

-   -   R¹ is methoxy or hydrogen;     -   R² is methoxy;     -   R³ is methyl or ethyl;     -   R⁴ is ethoxy;     -   R⁵ is hydrogen;     -   R⁶ is CN;     -   R⁷ is F;     -   X¹ is O;     -   X² is CH;     -   X³ is N;     -   X⁴ is N;     -   and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

Examples of preferred embodiment of the present invention are compounds of the formula I.1 to I.60 and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, in which the radicals X², X³, R¹, R² and R³ assume in each case the meanings mentioned in each line in the following table 1.

TABLE 1 Example No. X² X³ R¹ R² R³ A-1. N CH Methoxy Methoxy Methyl A-2. N CH Methoxy H Methyl A-3. N CH Ethoxy H Methyl A-4. N CH H H Methyl A-5. N CH H Methoxy Methyl A-6. N CH Ethoxy Methoxy Methyl A-7. N CH Methoxy Methoxy Ethyl A-8. N CH Methoxy H Ethyl A-9. N CH Ethoxy H Ethyl A-10. N CH H H Ethyl A-11. N CH H Methoxy Ethyl A-12. N CH Ethoxy Methoxy Ethyl A-13. N CH Methoxy Methoxy n-Propyl A-14. N CH Methoxy H n-Propyl A-15. N CH Ethoxy H n-Propyl A-16. N CH H H n-Propyl A-17. N CH H Methoxy n-Propyl A-18. N CH Ethoxy Methoxy n-Propyl A-19. N CH Methoxy Methoxy Isopropyl A-20. N CH Methoxy H Isopropyl A-21. N CH Ethoxy H Isopropyl A-22. N CH H H Isopropyl A-23. N CH H Methoxy Isopropyl A-24. N CH Ethoxy Methoxy Isopropyl A-25. N CH Methoxy Methoxy H A-26. N CH Methoxy H H A-27. N CH Ethoxy H H A-28. N CH H H H A-29. N CH H Methoxy H A-30. N CH Ethoxy Methoxy H A-31. CH N Methoxy Methoxy Methyl A-32. CH N Methoxy H Methyl A-33. CH N Ethoxy H Methyl A-34. CH N H H Methyl A-35. CH N H Methoxy Methyl A-36. CH N Ethoxy Methoxy Methyl A-37. CH N Methoxy Methoxy Ethyl A-38. CH N Methoxy H Ethyl A-39. CH N Ethoxy H Ethyl A-40. CH N H H Ethyl A-41. CH N H Methoxy Ethyl A-42. CH N Ethoxy Methoxy Ethyl A-43. CH N Methoxy Methoxy n-Propyl A-44. CH N Methoxy H n-Propyl A-45. CH N Ethoxy H n-Propyl A-46. CH N H H n-Propyl A-47. CH N H Methoxy n-Propyl A-48. CH N Ethoxy Methoxy n-Propyl A-49. CH N Methoxy Methoxy Isopropyl A-50. CH N Methoxy H Isopropyl A-51. CH N Ethoxy H Isopropyl A-52. CH N H H Isopropyl A-53. CH N H Methoxy Isopropyl A-54. CH N Ethoxy Methoxy Isopropyl A-55. CH N Methoxy Methoxy H A-56. CH N Methoxy H H A-57. CH N Ethoxy H H A-58. CH N H H H A-59. CH N H Methoxy H A-60. CH N Ethoxy Methoxy H A-61. CH CH Methoxy Methoxy Methyl A-62. CH CH Methoxy H Methyl A-63. CH CH Ethoxy H Methyl A-64. CH CH H H Methyl A-65. CH CH H Methoxy Methyl A-66. CH CH Ethoxy Methoxy Methyl A-67. CH CH Methoxy Methoxy Ethyl A-68. CH CH Methoxy H Ethyl A-69. CH CH Ethoxy H Ethyl A-70. CH CH H H Ethyl A-71. CH CH H Methoxy Ethyl A-72. CH CH Ethoxy Methoxy Ethyl A-73. CH CH Methoxy Methoxy n-Propyl A-74. CH CH Methoxy H n-Propyl A-75. CH CH Ethoxy H n-Propyl A-76. CH CH H H n-Propyl A-77. CH CH H Methoxy n-Propyl A-78. CH CH Ethoxy Methoxy n-Propyl A-79. CH CH Methoxy Methoxy Isopropyl A-80. CH CH Methoxy H Isopropyl A-81. CH CH Ethoxy H Isopropyl A-82. CH CH H H Isopropyl A-83. CH CH H Methoxy Isopropyl A-84. CH CH Ethoxy Methoxy Isopropyl A-85. CH CH Methoxy Methoxy H A-86. CH CH Methoxy H H A-87. CH CH Ethoxy H H A-88. CH CH H H H A-89. CH CH H Methoxy H A-90. CH CH Ethoxy Methoxy H

The compounds preferred among the compounds I.1 to I.60 mentioned above are those of the formulae I.1, I.2, I.5, I.6, I.7, I.10, I.11, I.12, I.15, I.16, I.17, I.20, I.21, I.22, I.25, I.26, I.27, I.30, I.31, I.32, I.35, I.36, I.37, I.40, I.41, I.42, I.45, I.46, I.47, I.50, I.51, I.52, I.55, I.56, I.57 and I.60, in which the radicals X², X³, R¹, R² and R³ assume in each case the meanings mentioned in each line in table 1. Compounds among these which are in turn preferred are those of the formulae I.1, I.2, I.6, I.7, I.11, I.12, I.16, I.17, I.21, I.22, I.26, I.27, I.31, I.32, I.36, I.37, I.41, I.42, I.46, I.47, I.51, I.52, I.56 and I.57, in which the radicals X², X³, R¹, R² and R³ assume in each case the meanings mentioned in each line in table 1. Compounds more preferred among these are those of the formulae I.1, I.2, I.6, I.7, I.11, I.12, I.16, I.17, I.21, I.22, I.26 and I.27, in which the radicals X², X³, R¹, R² and R³ assume in each case the meanings mentioned in each line in table 1. Compounds particularly preferred among these are those of the formulae I.1, I.2, I.6, I.7, I.11 and I.12, in which the radicals X², X³, R¹, R² and R³ assume in each case the meanings mentioned in each line in table 1. Very particularly preferred compounds among these are those of the formulae I.1 and I.2, in which the radicals X², X³, R¹, R² and R³ assume in each case the meanings mentioned in each line in table 1.

The compounds I of the invention have a center of chirality in position 3 of the 2-oxindole ring. The compounds of the invention may therefore be in the form of a 1:1 mixture of enantiomers (racemate) or of a nonracemic mixture of enantiomers in which one of the two enantiomers, either the enantiomer which rotates the plane of vibration of linearly polarized light to the left (i.e. minus rotation) (hereinafter (−) enantiomer) or the enantiomer which rotates the plane of vibration of linearly polarized light to the right (i.e. plus rotation) (hereinafter (+) enantiomer), is enriched, or of substantially enantiopure compounds, that is to say of substantially enantiopure (−) enantiomer or (+) enantiomer. Since the compounds of the invention have a single center of asymmetry and no axis/plane of chirality, a nonracemic mixture can also be defined as a mixture of enantiomers in which either the R or the S enantiomer predominates. Substantially enantiopure compounds can accordingly also be defined as substantially enantiopure R enantiomer or substantially enantiopure S enantiomer.

“Substantially enantiopure compounds” means in the context of the present invention those compounds having an enantiomeric excess (ee; % ee=(R−S)/(R+S)×100 or (S−R)/(S+R)×100) of at least 80% ee, preferably at least 85% ee, more preferably at least 90% ee, even more preferably at least 95% ee and in particular at least 98% ee.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the invention are in the form of substantially enantiopure compounds. Particularly preferred compounds have an enantiomeric excess of at least 85% ee, more preferably of at least 90% ee, even more preferably of at least 95% ee and in particular of at least 98% ee.

The invention thus relates both to the pure enantiomers and to mixtures thereof, e.g. mixtures in which one enantiomer is present in enriched form, but also to the racemates. The invention also relates to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and the prodrugs of the pure enantiomers of compounds I, and the racemic and nonracemic mixtures of enantiomers in the form of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs of compounds I.

The statements made in the context of the present invention concerning the direction of rotation of polarized light relate preferably to the signs [(+) or (−)] as determined in chloroform as solvent or in chloroform-containing solvent mixtures, in particular in chloroform.

Examples of synthetic routes for preparing the oxindole derivatives of the invention are described below.

The compounds of the invention can be prepared by using methods described in WO 2005/030755 and WO 2006/005609 for synthesizing analogous compounds, and the preparation is outlined by way of example in synthesis schemes 1 to 3. The variables in these synthetic schemes have the same meanings as in formula I.

The 3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-ones IV can be obtained by addition of metallated benzenes or heterocycles III onto the 3-keto group of the isatins II. The metallated benzenes or heterocycles, such as, for example, the corresponding Grignard (Mg) or organyllithium compound, can be obtained in any conventional way from halogen or hydrocarbon compounds. Examples of methods are present in Houben-Weyl, Methoden der Organischen Chemie, vol. 13, 1-2, chapter on Mg and Li compounds. The isatins II are either commercially available or were prepared in analogy to methods described in the literature (Advances in Heterocyclic Chemistry, A. R. Katritzky and A. J. Boulton, Academic Press, New York, 1975, 18, 2-58; J. Brazil. Chem. Soc. 12, 273-324, 2001).

The 3-hydroxyoxindoles IV which comprise an iodine in the 6-membered aromatic ring, for example in position 5 or 6, i.e. in the position of the radicals R⁶ or R⁷, can be converted with KCN or Zn(CN)₂ with Pd(0) catalysis in solvents such as dimethylformamide or tetrahydrofuran, where appropriate also with addition of bases such as K₂CO₃ or other carbonates or amines, at elevated temperature into the analogous cyan-containing 3-hydroxyoxindole IV. Pd(0) salts which can be taken are for example transition metal complexes which are prepared in situ from PdCl₂ or PdOAc₂ by addition of phosphines such as tris(orthotolyl)phosphine. It is likewise possible to employ commercial palladium complexes such as, for example, the catalyst tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and/or additions of phosphine ligands.

The 3-hydroxyoxindoles IV can be converted into the compounds V which have a leaving group LG′ in position 3, where the leaving group LG′ is a conventional leaving group such as, for example, chlorine or bromide. The intermediate V with for example LG′=chlorine can be prepared by treating the alcohol IV with thionyl chloride in the presence of a base such as, for example, pyridine, in a suitable solvent such as, for example, dichloromethane.

The compounds V can subsequently be reacted with amines, such as, for example, ammonia, in a substitution reaction to give the amines VI. The compounds VI can subsequently be converted by treatment with sulfonyl chlorides VII after deprotonation with a strong base such as, for example, potassium tert-butoxide or sodium hydride in DMF into the sulfonylated product VIII. The sulfonyl chlorides VII employed can either be purchased or be prepared by known processes (for example J. Med. Chem. 40, 1149 (1997)).

The compounds of the invention of the general formula I which have a urea group in position 3 can be prepared as described in WO 2005/030755 and WO 2006/005609, and shown in synthesis scheme 1, in a two-stage process: firstly, the compounds VIII are reacted with phenyl chloroformate in the presence of a base such as, for example, pyridine to give the corresponding phenyl carbamate IX.

Subsequent reaction with amines X, where appropriate at elevated temperature and with the addition of auxiliary bases such as, for example, triethylamine or diisopropylethyl-amine, leads to the compounds of the invention of the general formula (I) with a urea bridge (X¹═NH). The amines X can be either purchased or prepared by methods known from the literature. Compounds I of the invention with R³═H can be prepared by using appropriate Boc-protected amines (R³=Boc). The Boc protective group can subsequently be removed, for example by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid in dichloromethane.

The compounds of the invention of the general formula I having a carbamate group in position 3 (X¹═O) can be prepared as described in WO 2006/005609 and shown in synthesis scheme 2: firstly, the 3-hydroxy compound IV is reacted with phenyl chloroformate to give the phenyl carbonate derivatives XIa and/or XIb. The carbamate derivatives XII are obtained with an excess of amine X and can subsequently be converted under the usual conditions (deprotonation with a strong base such as, for example, sodium hydride or potassium tert-butoxide in a suitable solvent such as, for example, DMF, followed by treatment with sulfonyl chlorides VII) into the compounds I of the invention with a carbamate bridge.

The compounds of the invention of the general formula I which have a 2-oxoethyl group in position 3 (X¹═CH₂) can be prepared as shown in synthesis scheme 3. Introduction of the acetic acid group can take place as described in WO 2006/005609 in a 4-stage sequence (1. replacement of the leaving group LG′ in V by the sodium salt of dimethyl malonate, 2. hydrolysis of the first ester group, 3. thermal decarboxylation, 4. hydrolysis of the second ester group). The amine side chain X can be coupled to the carboxylic acid XV using standard coupling reagents known in peptide chemistry, such as, for example, EDC (N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride) and HOBT (1-hydroxybenzo-triazole) in a solvent such as, for example, N,N-dimethylformamide, or BOP (1-benzo-triazolyloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate) in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or diisopropyethylamine. The sulfonylation can take place by deprotonation of the coupling product XVI with a strong base such as, for example, sodium hydride or potassium tert-butoxide, and subsequent treatment with sulfonyl chlorides VII in a solvent such as, for example, DMF, and leads to the compounds I of the invention with an amide bridge.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of the general formula I and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof as detailed above, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Suitable carriers depend inter alia on the dosage form of the composition and are known in principle to the skilled worker. Some suitable carriers are described hereinafter.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula I and/or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of vasopressin-dependent diseases.

Vasopressin-dependent diseases are those in which the progress of the disease is at least partly dependent on vasopressin, i.e. diseases which show an elevated vasopressin level which may contribute directly or indirectly to the pathological condition. In other words, vasopressin-dependent diseases are those which can be influenced by modulating the vasopressin receptor, for example by administration of a vasopressin receptor ligand (agonist, antagonist, partial antagonist/agonist, inverse agonist etc.).

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases selected from diabetes, insulin resistance, nocturnal enuresis, incontinence and diseases in which impairments of blood clotting occur, and/or for delaying micturition. The term “diabetes” means all types of diabetes, especially diabetes mellitus (including type I and especially type II), diabetes renalis and in particular diabetes insipidus. The types of diabetes are preferably diabetes mellitus of type II (with insulin resistance) or diabetes insipidus.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, coronary spasm, unstable angina, PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), ischemias of the heart, impairments of the renal system, edemas, renal vasospasm, necrosis of the renal cortex, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, Schwartz-Bartter syndrome, impairments of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritic vasospasm, hepatocirrhosis, gastric and intestinal ulcers, emesis, emesis occurring during chemotherapy, and travel sickness.

The compounds of the invention of the formula I or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs or the pharmaceutical composition of the invention can also be used for the treatment of various vasopressin-dependent complaints which have central nervous causes or alterations in the HPA axis (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis), for example for affective disorders such as depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. These include for example dysthymic disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, general anxiety disorders, panic disorders, seasonal depression and sleep disorders.

The compounds of the invention of the formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs or the pharmaceutical composition of the invention can likewise be employed for the treatment of anxiety disorders and stress-dependent anxiety disorders, such as, for example, generalized anxiety disorders, phobias, post-traumatic anxiety disorders, panic anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorders, acute stress-dependent anxiety disorders and social phobia.

The compounds of the invention can furthermore also be employed for the treatment of memory impairments, Alzheimer's disease, psychoses, psychotic disorders, sleep disorders and/or Cushing's syndrome, and all stress-dependent diseases.

Accordingly, a further preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of affective disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of anxiety disorders and/or stress-dependent anxiety disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of memory impairments and/or Alzheimer's disease.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of psychoses and/or psychotic disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome or other stress-dependent diseases.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of sleep disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of depressive disorders. A particular form of depressive disorders are so-called childhood onset mood disorders, i.e. depressive moods having their onset in childhood.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms and/or thermoregulatory dysfunctions such as, for example, the hot flush symptom.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of drug or pharmaceutical dependencies and/or dependencies mediated by other factors, for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of stress caused by withdrawal of one or more factors mediating the dependence and/or for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of stress-induced relapses into drug or pharmaceutical dependencies and/or dependencies mediated by other factors.

In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of compounds of the invention of the formula I or of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of schizophrenia and/or psychosis.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of vasopressin-dependent diseases, in which an effective amount of at least one compound of the invention of the formula I or of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt or one prodrug thereof or of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is administered to a patient.

Concerning the definition of vasopressin-dependent diseases, reference is made to the above statements.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders selected from diabetes, insulin resistance, nocturnal enuresis, incontinence and diseases in which impairments of blood clotting occur, and/or for delaying micturition. Concerning the definition of diabetes, reference is made to the above statements.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, coronary spasm, unstable angina, PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), ischemias of the heart, impairments of the renal system, edemas, renal vasospasm, necrosis of the renal cortex, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, Schwartz-Bartter syndrome, impairments of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritic vasospasm, hepatocirrhosis, gastric and intestinal ulcers, emesis, emesis occurring during chemotherapy, and travel sickness.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of affective disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of anxiety disorders and/or stress-dependent anxiety disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of memory impairments and/or Alzheimer's disease.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of psychoses and/or psychotic disorders.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of Cushing's syndrome.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of sleep disorders in a patient.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of depressive disorders. In the case of depressive disorders, specific mention is also to be made of childhood onset mood disorders, i.e. depressive moods having their onset in childhood.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of vasomotor symptoms and/or thermoregulatory dysfunctions, such as, for example, the hot flush symptom.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of drug or pharmaceutical dependencies and/or dependencies mediated by other factors, for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of stress caused by withdrawal of one or more factors mediating the dependence, and/or for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of stress-induced relapses into drug or pharmaceutical dependencies and/or dependencies mediated by other factors.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the invention serves for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of schizophrenia and/or psychosis.

The patient to be treated prophylactically or therapeutically with the method of the invention is preferably a mammal, for example a human or a nonhuman mammal or a nonhuman transgenic mammal. Specifically it is a human.

The compounds of the general formula I, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs as detailed above can be prepared by a skilled worker with knowledge of the technical teaching of the invention in implementing and/or in analogous implementation of process steps known per se.

The compounds I or their prodrugs and/or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are distinguished by having a selectivity for the vasopressin V1b receptor subtype vis-à-vis at least one of the closely related vasopressin/oxytocin receptor subtypes (for example vasopressin V1a, vasopressin V2 and/or oxytocin).

Alternatively, or preferably in addition, the compounds I or their prodrugs and/or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are distinguished by having an improved metabolic stability.

The metabolic stability of a compound can be measured for example by incubating a solution of this compound with liver microsomes from particular species (for example rat, dog or human) and determining the half-life of the compound under these conditions (R S Obach, Curr Opin Drug Discov Devel. 2001, 4, 36-44). It is possible in this connection to conclude from an observed longer half-life that the metabolic stability of the compound is improved. The stability in the presence of human liver microsomes is of particular interest because it makes it possible to predict the metabolic degradation of the compound in the human liver. Compounds with increased metabolic stability (measured in the liver microsome test) are therefore probably also degraded more slowly in the liver. The slower metabolic degradation in the liver may lead to higher and/or longer-lasting concentrations (active levels) of the compound in the body, so that the elimination half-life of the compounds of the invention is increased. Increased and/or longer-lasting active levels may lead to a better activity of the compound in the treatment or prophylaxis of various vasopressin-dependent diseases. In addition, an improved metabolic stability may lead to an increased bioavailability after oral administration, because the compound is subject, after absorption in the intestine, to less metabolic degradation in the liver (so-called first pass effect). An increased oral bioavailability may, owing to an increased concentration (active level) of the compound, lead to a better activity of the compound after oral administration.

Alternatively, or preferably in addition, the compounds I or their prodrugs and/or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are distinguished by having an improved pharmacological activity, compared with the oxindole compounds known from the prior art, in patients or relevant animal models which enable prognostic statements for use in the treatment.

The compounds of the invention are effective after administration by various routes. Possible examples are intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, topical, intratracheal, intranasal, transdermal, vaginal, rectal, sublingual, buccal or oral administration, and administration is frequently intravenous, intramuscular or, in particular, oral.

The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise an effective dose of a compound I of the invention, of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or of a prodrug thereof and suitable pharmaceutical carriers (drug carriers).

These drug carriers are chosen according to the pharmaceutical form and the desired mode of administration and are known in principle to the skilled worker.

The compounds of the invention of the formula I or optionally suitable salts of these compounds can be used to produce pharmaceutical compositions for oral, sublingual, buccal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, topical, intratracheal, intranasal, transdermal, vaginal or rectal administration, and be administered to animals or humans in uniform administration forms, mixed with conventional pharmaceutical carriers, for the prophylaxis or treatment of the above disorders or diseases.

The suitable administration forms (dose units) include forms for oral administration such as tablets, gelatin capsules, powders, granules and solutions or suspensions for oral intake, forms for sublingual, buccal, intratracheal or intranasal administration, aerosols, implants, forms of subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous administration and forms of rectal administration.

The compounds of the invention can be used in creams, ointments or lotions for topical administration.

In order to achieve the desired prophylactic or therapeutic effect, the dose of the active ingredient can vary between 0.01 and 50 mg per kg of body weight and per day.

Each unit dose may comprise from 0.05 to 5000 mg, preferably 1 to 1000 mg, of the active ingredient in combination with a pharmaceutical carrier. This unit dose can be administered once to 5 times a day, so that a daily dose of from 0.5 to 25 000 mg, preferably 1 to 5000 mg, is administered.

If a solid composition is prepared in the form of tablets, the active ingredient is mixed with a solid pharmaceutical carrier such as gelatin, starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicon dioxide or the like.

The tablets can be coated with sucrose, a cellulose derivative or another suitable substance or be treated otherwise in order to display a sustained or delayed activity and to release a predetermined amount of the active ingredient continuously.

A preparation in the form of gelatin capsules is obtained by mixing the active ingredient with an extender and including the resulting mixture in soft or hard gelatin capsules.

A preparation in the form of a syrup or elixir or for administration in the form of drops may contain active ingredients together with a sweetener, which is preferably calorie-free, methylparaben or propylparaben as antiseptics, a flavoring and a suitable coloring substance.

Water-dispersible powders or granules may comprise the active ingredients mixed with dispersants, wetting agents or suspending agents, such as polyvinylpyrrolidones, and sweeteners or masking flavors.

Rectal or vaginal administration is achieved by using suppositories which are prepared with binders which melt at rectal temperature, for example cocoa butter or polyethylene glycols. Parenteral administration is effected by using aqueous suspensions, isotonic saline solutions or sterile and injectable solutions which comprise pharmacologically acceptable dispersants and/or wetting agents, for example propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.

The active ingredient may also be formulated as microcapsules or centrosomes, if suitable with one or more carriers or additives.

The compositions of the invention may, in addition to the compounds of the invention, comprise other active ingredients which may be beneficial for the treatment of the disorders or diseases indicated above.

The present invention thus further relates to pharmaceutical compositions in which a plurality of active ingredients are present together, where at least one of these is a compound I of the invention, salt or a prodrug thereof.

The invention is explained in more detail below by means of examples, but the examples are not to be understood to be restrictive.

The compounds of the invention can be prepared by various synthetic routes. The methods mentioned, as described accordingly in synthesis schemes 1, 2 and 3, are explained in greater detail merely by way of example using the given examples without being exclusively restricted to synthesis routes 1, 2 or 3 or analogous methods.

Experimental Section

Abbreviations used:

THF: Tetrahydrofuran

DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide

TFA: Trifluoroacetic acid

BOP: 1-Benzotriazolyloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate

p: pseudo (for example pt pseudo triplet)

b: broad (for example bs broad singlet)

s: singlet

d: doublet

t: triplet

m: multiplet

dd: doublet of doublets

dt: doublet of triplets

tt: triplet of triplets

I. Preparation of the Intermediate Compounds

5,6-Difluoroisatin is commercially available for example from the suppliers ASYMCHEM, BUTT PARK, TIMECHEM and UKRORGSYN-BB.

5-Bromo-6-fluoroisatin is commercially available for example from the suppliers BUTT PARK and UKRORGSYN-BB.

5-Chloro-6-fluoroisatin is commercially available for example from the supplier UKRORGSYN-BB.

5-Fluoro-6-chloroisatin is commercially available for example from the supplier BUTT PARK.

a) 3-Hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-ones of the formula IV

a.1 5-Bromo-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one

Formation of the sodium salt of isatin: 2.46 g (51.2 mmol) of sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil) were added in portions to 12.5 g (51.2 mmol) of 5-bromo-6-fluoroisatin in 250 ml of THF at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for one hour.

Formation of the Grignard reagent: ethylmagnesium bromide (61.5 mmol, 61.5 ml of a 1M solution in THF) was added dropwise to a solution of 2-ethoxy-3-iodopyridine (12.76 g, 51.2 mmol) in 250 ml of THF keeping the temperature at between 15 and 22° C. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 15 min.

Grignard addition: the solution of the Grignard reagent was pumped into the ice-cooled solution of the sodium salt of isatin, and the reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for three hours. The mixture was poured into 10% ammonium chloride solution and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with water and saturated brine, dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crystalline precipitate which had formed after standing overnight at room temperature was filtered off with suction and washed with ethyl acetate. 10.0 g of the title compound were obtained as a solid.

ESI-MS: 367.00/369.00 [M+H]⁺

a.2 5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example a.1 using 5-chloro-6-fluoro-isatin as isatin II.

ESI-MS: 323.05 [M+H]⁺

a.3 5-Chloro-3-[2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)phenyl]-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example a.1 using 5-chloro-6-fluoro-isatin as isatin II and 2,2-difluoroethoxyiodobenzene (to form the Grignard reagent).

a.4 5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example a.1 using 5-chloro-6-fluoro-isatin as isatin II and ethoxyiodobenzene (to form the Grignard reagent).

a.5 3-(2-Ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile

161 mg (0.14 mmol) of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) were added to a solution of 1.7 g (4.63 mmol) of 5-bromo-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one from example a.1 and 544 mg (4.63 mmol) of zinc cyanide in 18 ml of dimethylformamide (DMF), and the mixture was agitated in a Biotage microwave apparatus at 150° C. for 1 h. The reaction solution was worked up by diluting with 300 ml of water, extracting with ethyl acetate (3×) and washing with saturated sodium chloride solution (1×). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. 1.67 g of 3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile were obtained.

ESI-MS: 313.10 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.30 (t, 1H); 7.25 (d, 1H); 7.05 (t, 1H); 6.95 (d, 1H); 6.85 (d, 1H); 6.80 (s, 1H); 3.75 (m, 2H); 0.95 (t, 3H).

II. Preparation of Compounds of the Formula I

II.1 Compounds of the Formula I in which X¹ is NH (Examples 1 to 37)

EXAMPLE 1

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

1.1 3-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile

0.47 ml (5.81 mmol) of pyridine was added to 1.3 g (4.15 mmol) of 3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile in 30 ml of dichloromethane. After the reaction mixture had been cooled to 0° C., 0.42 ml (5.81 mmol) of thionyl chloride was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour and then poured into ice-water. After stirring for 15 minutes, the organic phase was separated off. The aqueous phase was extracted several times with dichloromethane. The combined organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. 1.13 g of 3-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile were obtained as a solid which was employed without further purification in the next stage.

ESI-MS: 332.00 [M+H]⁺1.2 3-Amino-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile

2.4 ml (17.0 mmol) of a 7N methanolic ammonia solution were added dropwise to a cooled solution of 1.13 g (3.41 mmol) of 3-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile in 20 ml of dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere, and the reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was mixed with saturated NaCl solution and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was mixed with 20 ml of diethyl ether. After stirring for 5 min, a white solid precipitated and was filtered off and dried in a vacuum oven. 800 mg of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

ESI-MS: 313.05 [M+H]⁺

1.3 3-Amino-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile

80 mg (1.68 mmol) of sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil) were added in portions to a solution of 350 mg (1.12 mmol) of 3-amino-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile in 15 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide under a nitrogen atmosphere and while cooling in an ice bath. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 min and then 398 mg (1.68 mmol) of 2,4-dimethoxy-phenylsulfonyl chloride were added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-water and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution and dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (Redisep cartridge, mobile phase gradient from 0 to 3% methanol in ethyl acetate). 236 mg of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

ESI-MS: 513.15 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.25 (d, 1H); 8.10 (m, 1H); 7.95 (d, 1H); 7.75 (d, 1H); 7.45 (d, 1H); 7.10 (m, 1H); 6.75 (m, 2H); 4.00 (m, 2H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 3.75 (s, 3H); 3.40 (m, 2H); 0.85 (t, 3H).

1.4 Phenyl [5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carbamate

61 μl (0.49 mmol) of phenyl chloroformate were slowly added dropwise to a solution, cooled to 0° C., of 226 mg (0.44 mmol) of 3-amino-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile in 4 ml of pyridine. After 5 minutes, the solvent was evaporated. The residue was mixed with 20 ml of water and extracted with diethyl ether (2×). The organic phase was washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (Redisep cartridge, mobile phase gradient from 0 to 5% methanol in ethyl acetate). 200 mg of the title compound were obtained.

ESI-MS: 633.15 [M+H]⁺

1.5 4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

A mixture of 50 mg (0.07 mmol) of phenyl [5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carbamate, 26 mg (0.14 mmol) of 1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine and 5 ml of dried THF was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, and the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (Redisep cartridge, mobile phase gradient from 0 to 20% methanol in dichloromethane). 27 mg of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

ESI-MS: 722.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.80 (d, 1H); 7.70 (m, 2H); 7.65 (s, 1H); 7.05 (m, 1H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.15 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.50 (s, 3H); 3.20 (m, 4H); 2.80 (m, 2H); 2.35 (m, 4H); 2.15 (m, 4H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 2H); 1.10 (t, 3H).

Racemate Resolution of Compounds of the Formula I

Racemic compounds of the formula I can be resolved for example by separation on a preparative chiral column, e.g. Chiracel OD.

The rotations were determined at a wavelength of 589 nm at 22° C. in chloroform as solvent and a concentration of 1 mg/ml test substance.

EXAMPLE 1A and EXAMPLE 1B

Racemate resolution of 4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide from example 1 was separated on a chiral preparative column (Chiralcel OD, flow rate 45 ml/min) with heptane:ethanol:tert-butanol in the ratio 14:6:1 as eluent. The enantiomer (example 1A) with positive rotation (rotation determined in chloroform) and the enantiomer (example 1B) with negative rotation (rotation determined in chloroform) were obtained.

EXAMPLE 1A

(+)-4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide α (CHCl₃): plus rotation

ESI-MS: 722.25 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 1B

(−)-4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide α (CHCl₃): minus rotation

ESI-MS: 722.25 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLES 2 to 37

The compounds of the formula I according to examples 2 to 37 were prepared in analogy to example 1 using the appropriate isatins II, sulfonyl chlorides VII and amines X.

The compounds I of the invention in which X¹ is NH can also be purified by crystallization and/or by preparative HPLC (RP, eluents acetonitrile/water, 0.1% TFA or 0.1% acetic acid). Compounds I then result where appropriate as trifluoroacetic acid salt, bis(trifluoroacetic acid) salt or acetic acid salt.

EXAMPLE 2

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 736.15 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 3

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 722.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.80 (d, 1H); 7.70 (m, 2H); 7.65 (s, 1H); 7.05 (m, 1H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.20 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.80 (m, 2H); 3.50 (s, 3H); 2.65 (m, 2H); 2.45-2.25 (m, 9H); 2.15 (s, 3H); 1.60 (m, 2); 1.15 (m, 5H).

EXAMPLE 4

4-(4-Ethylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 736.20 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 5

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

5.1 3-Amino-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared using 3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile as 3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one IV and 4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride as sulfonyl chloride VII in analogy to example 1.1 to 1.3.

ESI-MS: 483.10 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.25 (d, 1H); 8.15 (d, 2H); 8.10 (m, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.45 (d, 1H); 7.25 (d, 2H); 7.15 (m, 1H); 3.95 (m, 1H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 1H); 3.05 (m, 2H); 0.55 (t, 3H).

5.2 Phenyl [5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carbamate

Preparation took place in analogy to example 1.4.

ESI-MS: 603.15 [M+H]⁺

5.3 4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

Preparation took place in analogy to example 1.5.

ESI-MS: 692.20 [M+H]⁺ ¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): 5 [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.00 (d, 2H); 7.95 (d, 1H); 7.75 (d, 1H); 7.65 (m, 2H); 7.15 (d, 2H); 7.05 (m, 1H); 4.10 (m, 1H); 4.05 (m, 1H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.75 (m, 2H); 2.60 (m, 2H); 2.45 (m, 4H); 2.30 (m, 4H); 2.15 (m, 4H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.15 (m, 2H); 1.05 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 6

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 706.25 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 7

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 692.15 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.05 (d, 2H); 8.00 (d, 1H); 7.75 (d, 1H); 7.70 (s, 1H); 7.65 (m, 1H); 7.15 (d, 2H); 7.05 (m, 1H); 4.10 (m, 1H); 4.05 (m, 1H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.20 (m, 4H); 2.80 (m, 4H); 2.35 (m, 2H); 2.15 (m, 4H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 2H); 1.05 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 8

4-(4-Ethylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 706.15 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 9

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoro-acetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 721.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 10.35 (bs, 1H); 8.00 (s, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.75 (m, 2H); 7.45 (d, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.00 (m, 2H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.05 (m, 1H); 3.90 (m, 4H); 3.65-3.40 (m, 9H); 3.30-2.95 (m, 7H); 2.80 (s, 3H); 2.30 (m, 2H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.15 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 10

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoro-acetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 691.20 [M+H]⁺ ¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CH₃OD): δ [ppm] 8.05 (d, 2H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.55 (d, 1H); 7.45 (d, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.10 (d, 2H); 7.05 (t, 1H); 7.00 (d, 1H); 4.05 (m, 1H); 3.95 (m, 1H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 3.70 (m, 2H); 3.60 (m, 4H); 3.45 (m, 1H); 3.25 (m, 4H); 3.15 (m, 2H); 2.95 (s, 3H); 2.40 (m, 2H); 2.10 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 11

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.70 (m, 2H); 7.60 (s, 1H); 7.35 (m, 2H); 6.95 (m, 2H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.05 (m, 1H); 3.90 (m, 4H); 3.50 (bs, 3H); 3.20 (m, 4H); 3.00 (m, 2H); 2.45 (m, 2H); 2.35 (m, 4H); 2.20 (m, 1H); 2.05 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.45 (m, 2H); 1.15 (t, 3H); 1.05 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 12

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoroacetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 705.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 10.05 (bs, 1H); 8.05 (m, 3H); 7.75 (d, 1H); 7.65 (m, 2H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.15 (d, 2H); 7.00 (t, 1H); 6.95 (d, 1H); 3.95-2.90 (m, 20H); 2.30 (m, 2H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H); 1.10 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 13

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoroacetic acid salt

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 10.10 (bs, 1H); 8.10 (d, 2H); 8.05 (s, 1H); 7.80 (m, 2H); 7.65 (m, 4H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.05 (t, 1H); 6.95 (d, 1H); 3.95-3.75 (m, 3H); 3.65 (m, 3H); 3.45-2.90 (m, 11H); 2.30 (m, 2H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H); 1.10 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 14

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoroacetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 721.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CH₃OD): δ [ppm] 8.00 (d, 1H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.65 (d, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.25 (d, 1H); 7.00 (d, 1H); 6.95 (t, 1H); 6.65 (d, 1H); 6.60 (s, 1H); 4.15 (m, 1H); 4.05 (m, 3H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 3.65 (m, 4H); 3.55 (m, 6H); 3.35 (m, 2H); 2.95 (s, 3H); 2.80 (m, 2H); 2.05 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.30 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 15

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoroacetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 691.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.00 (d, 2H); 7.75 (m, 2H); 7.60 (m, 2H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.15 (d, 2H); 7.00 (t, 1H); 6.95 (d, 1H); 3.95-3.80 (m, 7H); 3.55-3.05 (m, 8H); 2.85 (m, 4H); 2.60 (m, 2H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.30 (m, 2H); 1.10 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 16

4-(4-Ethylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoroacetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 735.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.75 (m, 3H); 7.40 (d, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 6.95 (m, 2H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.05 (m, 1H); 3.95-3.85 (m, 6H); 3.55-2.95 (m, 14H); 2.65 (m, 2H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.30 (m, 2H); 1.20 (m, 6H).

EXAMPLE 17

4-(4-Ethylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoroacetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 705.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.00 (d, 2H); 7.80 (s, 1H); 7.75 (d, 1H); 7.60 (m, 2H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.15 (d, 2H); 7.00 (t, 1H); 6.95 (d, 1H); 3.95-3.80 (m, 7H); 3.70-3.15 (m, 11H); 2.65 (m, 2H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.35 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H); 1.10 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 18

4-(4-Ethylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoroacetic acid salt

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.10 (d, 2H); 7.85 (s, 1H); 7.80 (m, 2H); 7.65 (m, 4H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.00 (t, 1H); 6.95 (d, 1H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.95 (m, 2H); 3.85 (m, 2H); 3.70-3.15 (m, 11H); 2.65 (m, 2H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.35 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H); 1.10 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 19

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

19.1 3-Amino-5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one

3-Amino-5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one was prepared in analogy to example 1.1 to 1.3 using 5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one as 3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one IV and 2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride as sulfonyl chloride VII. 5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one was prepared in analogy to example a.1.

ESI-MS: 522.10 [M+H]⁺

19.2 Phenyl[5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carbamate

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 1.4.

ESI-MS: 642.10 [M+H]⁺

19.3 4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 1.5.

ESI-MS: 731.20 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 20

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1 -phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

20.1 3-Amino-1-phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 1.1 to 1.3 using 5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one as 3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one IV and phenylsulfonyl chloride as sulfonyl chloride VII. 5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one was prepared in analogy to example a.1.

ESI-MS: 462.00 [M+H]⁺

20.2 Phenyl [1-phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carbamate

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 1.4.

ESI-MS: 582.00 [M+H]⁺

20.3 4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

The title compound was prepared in analogy to example 1.5.

ESI-MS: 671.05 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 21

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.65 (m, 2H); 7.60 (s, 1H); 7.50 (d, 1H); 7.00 (m, 1H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.20 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.50 (s, 3H); 3.25 (m, 4H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.35 (m, 6H); 2.15 (m, 1H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.35 (m, 2H); 1.15 (t, 3H); 0.95 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 22

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 685.20 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 23

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 731.20 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 24

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 671.10 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.10 (d, 2H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.80-7.60 (m, 5H); 7.40 (d, 1H); 7.05 (m, 1H); 4.15 (m, 1H); 4.05 (m, 1H); 3.80 (m, 2H); 2.60 (m, 2H); 2.50-2.25 (m, 9H); 2.20 (s, 3H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.15 (m, 2H); 1.05 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 25

4-(4-Ethylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 685.20 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 26

1′-Methyl[4,4′]bipiperidinyl-1-[5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS:

EXAMPLE 27

1′-Ethyl[4,4]bipiperidinyl-1-[5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 744.15 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 28

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[5-chloro-3-[2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 766.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.00 (d, 1H); 7.75 (m, 2H); 7.65 (s, 1H); 7.45 (m, 1H); 7.20 (d, 1H); 7.05 (d, 1H); 7.00 (t, 1H); 6.80 (m, 2H); 6.45 (t, J=70 Hz, 1H); 4.55 (m, 1H); 4.40 (m, 1H); 3.95 (s, 3H); 3.90 (m, 2H); 3.55 (s, 3H); 2.70 (m, 2H); 2.55 (m, 4H); 2.40 (m, 5H); 2.20 (s, 3H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 1.25 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 29

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[5-chloro-3-[2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 766.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 7.95 (d, 1H); 7.65 (m, 2H); 7.60 (s, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.10 (d, 1H); 6.95 (m, 1H); 6.90 (t, 1H); 6.75 (d, 1H); 6.70 (m, 1H); 6.35 (t, J=70 Hz, 1H); 4.45 (m, 1H); 4.30 (m, 1H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.45 (s, 3H); 3.20 (m, 4H); 2.75 (m, 2H); 2.35 (m, 4H); 2.15 (m, 4H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 30

1′-Methyl[4,4′]bipiperidinyl-1-[5-chloro-3-[2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)phenyl]-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 765.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.65 (m, 2H); 7.55 (s, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.10 (d, 1H); 6.95 (m, 1H); 6.90 (t, 1H); 6.75 (d, 1H); 6.70 (s, 1H); 6.35 (t, J=70 Hz, 1H); 4.45 (m, 1H); 4.30 (m, 1H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 3.85 (m, 2H); 3.45 (s, 3H); 2.80 (m, 2H); 2.55 (m, 2H); 2.15 (s, 3H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 4H); 1.15 (m, 3H), 0.95 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 31

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoro-acetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 715.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.05 (m, 2H); 7.85 (m, 1H); 7.25 (t, 1H); 7.10 (m, 2H); 6.75 (m, 1H); 6.60 (d, 1H); 6.40 (s, 1H); 4.55 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.75-3.50 (m, 10H); 3.10 (m, 4H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.80 (s, 3H); 2.45 (m, 4H); 2.15 (m, 2H); 1.45 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 32

4-(1-Methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 655.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.10 (m, 3H); 7.80 (m, 1H); 7.65 (m, 1H); 7.50 (m, 2H); 7.20 (d, 1H); 7.15 (t, 1H); 6.80 (m, 1H); 6.70 (s, 1H); 4.55 (m, 2H); 3.20 (m, 4H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.45 (m, 4H); 2.25 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 1.45 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 33

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 729.30 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.10 (m, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.75 (m, 2H); 7.70 (s, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.00 (m, 1H); 6.70 (d, 1H); 6.65 (m, 1H); 4.20 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.50 (s, 3H); 3.20 (m, 4H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.35 (m, 6H); 2.15 (m, 1H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 1.35 (m, 2H); 1.10 (t, 3H); 0.95 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 34

4-(1-Ethylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 669.20 [M+H]⁺

EXAMPLE 35

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoro-acetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 715.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.05 (m, 2H); 7.80 (m, 1H); 7.25 (t, 1H); 7.00 (m, 2H); 6.75 (m, 1H); 6.60 (d, 1H); 6.40 (s, 1H); 4.50 (m, 2H); 3.95 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.60 (m, 8H); 3.55 (s, 3H); 3.25 (m, 1H); 3.35 (s, 3H); 2.25 (m, 2H); 2.00 (m, 2H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 1.45 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 36

4-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[1-phenylsulfonyl-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide

ESI-MS: 655.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.10 (m, 3H); 7.80 (m, 1H); 7.65 (m, 1H); 7.55 (m, 2H); 7.30 (d, 1H); 7.25 (t, 1H); 6.80 (m, 1H); 6.70 (s, 1H); 4.55 (m, 2H); 3.75 (m, 2H); 2.70 (m, 2H); 2.60-2.40 (m, 8H); 2.35 (m, 1H); 2.30 (s, 3H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.45 (t, 3H); 1.35 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 37

4-(4-Ethylpiperazin-1-yl)piperidine-1-[1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]carboxamide as trifluoro-acetic acid salt

ESI-MS: 729.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.70 (s, 1H); 7.65 (m, 1H); 7.60 (d, 1H); 7.35 (t, 1H); 7.00 (m, 1H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.20 (m, 2H); 3.95 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55-2.85 (m, 14H); 2.65 (m, 2H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.30 (m, 2H); 1.20 (t, 3H); 1.15 (t, 3H).

II.2 Compounds of the Formula I in which X¹ is O (Examples 38 to 55)

EXAMPLE 38

5-Cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

38.1 Phenyl 5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-3-phenoxycarbonyloxy-2,3-dihydroindole-1-carboxylate

330 μl (2.62 mmol) of phenyl chloroformate were slowly added dropwise to a solution, cooled to 0° C., of 342 mg (0.66 mmol; 60% purity) of 3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile (mother liquor from example a.2) in 8 ml of pyridine, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and extracted with water. The organic phase was washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (Redisep cartridge, mobile phase gradient from 0 to 5% methanol in dichloromethane). 291 mg of the title compound were obtained.

ESI-MS: 554.15 [M+H]⁺

38.2 5-Cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl 4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

A mixture of 291 mg (0.53 mmol) of phenyl 5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-3-phenoxycarbonyloxy-2,3-dihydroindole-1-carboxylate, 289 mg (1.58 mmol) of 1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine and 6 ml of dried tetrahydrofuran (THF) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and stirred with methanol. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried in a vacuum drying oven. 158 mg of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

ESI-MS: 523.20 [M+H]⁺

38.3 5-Cyano-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl 4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

9.2 mg (0.19 mmol) of sodium hydride (50% dispersion in mineral oil) were added to a solution of 50 mg (0.10 mmol) of 5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl 4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate in 2 ml of anhydrous dimethylformamide under a nitrogen atmosphere and while cooling in an ice bath. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 min and then 29 mg (0.12 mmol) of 2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride were added, and stirring was continued at room temperature for 30 min. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-water and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution and dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (Redisep cartridge, mobile phase gradient from 0 to 20% methanol in dichloromethane). 34 mg of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

ESI-MS: 723.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 2H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.85 (m, 2H); 7.15 (m, 1H); 6.70 (m, 2H); 4.15 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55 (s, 3H); 3.05 (m, 2H); 2.80 (m, 2H); 2.45 (m, 2H); 2.30 (m, 2H); 2.15 (m, 4H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.40 (m, 2H); 1.05 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLES 39 to 55

The compounds of the formula I in which X¹ is O according to examples 39 to 55 were prepared in analogy to example 38 using the appropriate 3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-ones of the formula IV, sulfonyl chlorides VII and amines X.

EXAMPLE 39

5-Cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 693.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.05 (d, 2H); 7.95 (d, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.20 (d, 1H); 7.00 (m, 3H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.10 (m, 1H); 3.05 (m, 1H); 2.95 (m, 2H); 2.60 (m, 1H); 2.50 (m, 1H); 2.40 (m, 2H); 2.30 (m, 4H); 2.05 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.20 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 40

1-Phenylsulfonyl-5-cyano-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 663.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.10 (d, 2H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.70 (m, 2H); 7.60 (m, 1H); 7.30 (m, 1H); 7.15 (m, 1H); 4.10 (m, 1H); 3.95 (m, 1H); 3.60 (m, 2H); 3.30 (m, 2H); 3.00 (m, 2H); 2.75 (m, 1H); 2.65 (s, 3H); 2.45 (m, 3H); 2.35 (m, 2H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 0.95 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 41

5-Chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

41.1 Phenyl 5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-3-phenoxycarbonyloxy-2,3-dihydroindole-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 563.10 [M+H]⁺

41.2 5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS:

41.3 5-Chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 732.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CH₃OD): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 2H); 7.95 (d, 1H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.20 (d, 1H); 7.10 (t, 1H); 6.65 (m, 2H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 3.65 (m, 5H); 3.20 (m, 2H); 2.95 (m, 2H); 2.60 (m, 2H); 2.45 (m, 2H); 2.30 (m, 4H); 2.05 (m, 2H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.20 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 42

5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 702.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.05 (m, 2H); 7.95 (d, 1H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 6.95 (m, 4H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.10 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.65-2.35 (m, 4H); 2.25 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 43

5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(2-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 702.15 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ[ppm] 8.15 (m, 2H); 7.90 (m, 2H); 7.55 (t, 1H); 7.05 (t, 1H); 7.00 (d, 1H); 6.95 (m, 2H); 4.30 (m, 2H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.10 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.60-2.20 (m, 8H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 44

5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1-(4-methoxy-2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-sulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 786.15 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.20 (d, 1H); 8.15 (m, 1H); 7.90 (m, 2H); 6.95 (m, 2H); 6.85 (m, 2H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.20-2.85 (m, 4H); 2.60-2.35 (m, 4H); 2.35 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 1.60 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 45

1-Phenylsulfonyl-5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 672.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.10 (d, 2H); 7.80 (m, 1H); 7.65 (m, 3H); 7.45 (d, 1H); 7.30 (m, 1H); 7.15 (m, 1H); 4.10 (m, 1H); 3.95 (m, 1H); 3.60 (m, 2H); 3.20 (m, 2H); 3.00 (m, 2H); 2.85 (m, 2H); 2.65 (s, 3H); 2.45 (m, 3H); 2.30 (m, 2H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 0.95 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 46

6-Chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

46.1 Phenyl 6-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-2-oxo-3-phenoxycarbonyloxy-2,3-dihydroindole-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 563.50 [M+H]⁺

46.2 6-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 532.20 [M+H]⁺

46.3 6-Chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 732.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.10 (m, 2H); 8.05 (d, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 6.95 (m, 1H); 6.80 (d, 1H); 6.55 (d, 1H); 6.40 (s, 1H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.60 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.15 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.60-2.35 (m, 4H); 2.25 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 47

6-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 702.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.05 (m, 3H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 6.95 (m, 3H); 6.80 (d, 1H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.10 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.65-2.35 (m, 4H); 2.25 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 48

6-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-1-(4-methoxy-2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-sulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 786.15 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, MeOD): δ [ppm] 8.15 (d, 1H); 8.10 (m, 2H); 8.05 (d, 1H); 7.05 (m, 3H); 6.95 (s, 1H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.90 (s, 3H); 3.60 (m, 2H); 3.10 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.55 (m, 2H); 2.40 (m, 2H); 2.25 (m, 4H); 2.00 (m, 2H); 1.80 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.20 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 49

1-Phenylsulfonyl-6-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 672.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 3H); 8.05 (d, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.65 (t, 1H); 7.55 (m, 2H); 6.95 (m, 1H); 6.75 (d, 1H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.00 (m, 4H); 2.60-2.25 (m, 8H); 2.05 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.25 (t, 3H).

EXAMPLE 50

6-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-1-(2-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 702.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 3H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.55 (t, 1H); 7.05 (t, 1H); 6.95 (m, 2H); 6.80 (d, 1H); 4.30 (m, 2H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.10 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.60-2.20 (m, 8H); 1.90 (m, 2H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 51

1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

51.1 3-(2-Ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 516.25 [M+H]⁺

51.2 1-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 716.30 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.05 (d, 1H); 7.95 (m, 2H); 6.95 (m, 1H); 6.85 (t, 1H); 6.55 (d, 1H); 6.40 (s, 1H); 4.30 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.15 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.65-2.35 (m, 4H); 2.25 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 52

3-(2-Ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-1-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 686.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 1H); 8.05 (d, 2H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.85 (m, 1H); 6.95 (m, 3H); 6.80 (t, 1H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.20-3.00 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.65-2.35 (m, 4H); 2.25 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 53

3-(2-Ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-1-(2-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 686.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 2H); 7.95 (m, 1H); 7.90 (d, 1H); 7.55 (t, 1H); 7.05 (t, 1H); 6.95 (m, 2H); 6.85 (t, 1H); 4.30 (m, 2H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.10 (m, 2H); 2.90 (m, 2H); 2.65-2.20 (m, 8H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.30 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 54

3-(2-Ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-1-(4-methoxy-2-trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 770.20 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.25 (d, 1H); 8.15 (m, 1H); 7.90 (m, 2H); 6.95 (m, 1H); 6.85 (m, 3H); 4.25 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.20-2.90 (m, 4H); 2.65-2.35 (m, 4H); 2.30 (m, 4H); 1.95 (m, 2H); 1.70 (m, 2H); 1.55 (m, 2H); 1.25 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 55

1-Phenylsulfonyl-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-5,6-difluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl 4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine-1-carboxylate

ESI-MS: 656.25 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ [ppm] 8.15 (m, 3H); 7.90 (m, 1H); 7.85 (m, 1H); 7.65 (m, 1H); 7.55 (m, 2H); 6.95 (m, 1H); 6.80 (t, 1H); 4.20 (m, 2H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.10-2.95 (m, 4H); 2.55 (m, 1H); 2.50 (m, 1H); 2.35 (m, 2H); 2.30 (m, 4H); 2.05 (m, 2H); 1.75 (m, 2H); 1.65 (m, 2H); 1.20 (t, 3H).

II.3 Compounds of the Formula I in which X¹ is CH₂

EXAMPLE 56

(+)-5-Chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-{2-[4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxo-ethyl}-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one as trifluoro-acetic acid salt

56.1 Dimethyl 2-[5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]malonate

7.26 ml (63.5 mmol) of dimethyl malonate were slowly added dropwise to a suspension, cooled to 10° C., of 2.311 g (57.8 mmol, 60% w/w) of sodium hydride in 150 ml of dimethylformamide. The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and subsequently 6.57 g (19.26 mmol) of 3,5-dichloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one (prepared using 5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one in analogy to example 1.1) was added in portions undiluted. The reaction mixture was then stirred for a further 15 minutes at room temperature. The progress of the reaction was monitored by thin-layer chromatography (silica gel, heptane/ethyl acetate 1:1). The mixture was worked up by stirring into cold 1N HCl and adding dichloromethane. The phases were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (1×). The combined organic phase was washed initially with water (1×) and then with saturated sodium chloride solution (1×), dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was again partly dissolved in a little dichloromethane, and pentane was added. Several fractions of crystals were obtained. In total, 3.23 g of the title compound were obtained as a white solid and 1.62 g as a beige-colored solid.

ESI-MS: 437.10 [M+H]⁺

56.2 Methyl [5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]-acetate

50 ml of 2N sodium hydroxide solution were added to a solution of 4.85 g (11.10 mmol) of dimethyl 2-[5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]malonate in 5 ml of ethanol, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Precursor was no longer detectable after this by a TLC check (silica gel, heptane/ethyl acetate 1:1). The reaction mixture was stirred into ice-cold 1N hydrochloric acid and mixed with dichloromethane. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted once with dichloromethane. The combined organic phase was washed initially with water (1×) and then with saturated sodium chloride solution (1×), dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The resulting solid, monomethyl 2-[5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]malonate (4.58 g), was dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40° C.

ESI-MS: 423.10 [M+H]⁺

The resulting monomethyl 2-[5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]malonate (4.58 g) was heated in a one-neck flask under a blanket of nitrogen to 150° C. During this, CO₂ gas was evolved and methyl [5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]acetate was formed. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and the substance was mixed with methanol. The crystals which formed were stored in a refrigerator at 5° C. overnight. The solid was filtered off with suction and washed with a little methanol. 3.286 g (8.68 mmol, 80% yield) of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

ESI-MS: 379.05 [M+H]⁺

56.3 5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]acetic acid

Firstly 5 ml of water and then 2.3 ml of a 50% strength sodium hydroxide solution were added to a solution of 3.28 g (8.66 mmol) of methyl [5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]acetate in 70 ml of ethanol. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. According to a TLC check (silica gel, dichloromethane/methanol 9:1), the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was worked up by concentrating in a rotary evaporator and adjusting to pH 1-2 with 1N hydrochloric acid. The white suspension was stored in a refrigerator for 4 hours, the precipitated solid was filtered off, and the resulting solid was dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40° C. 3.12 g (8.55 mmol, yield 99% of theory) of the title compound were obtained.

ESI-MS: 365.15 [M+H]⁺

Separation of Enantiomers

2.518 g (8.55 mmol) of (+)-cinchonidine (rotation in CHCl₃:+218°) were added to a solution of 3.12 g (8.55 mmol) of [5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]acetic acid in 30 ml of methanol. The reaction mixture was stirred at 64° C. for 30 minutes and then slowly cooled. The precipitated solid was filtered off at −40° C., washed with warm methanol and diethyl ether and then dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40° C. (288 mg). A further fraction of the crystallization was filtered off at room temperature, washed with warm methanol and diethyl ether and then dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40° C. (1.24 g). The reaction solution was stored in a refrigerator for some hours and then the precipitated solid was washed with warm methanol and diethyl ether and dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40° C. (175 mg). After the mother liquor had been concentrated to 50 ml, the precipitated solid was again filtered off, washed with warm methanol and diethyl ether and then dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40° C. (355 mg).

The 4 fractions of the crystallization were each dissolved in a 1:1 mixture of ethyl acetate and water and then adjusted to pH 1-0 with concentrated HCl. After stirring for 15 minutes, the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phase was washed initially with water (1×) and then with saturated sodium chloride solution (1×), dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo.

1st fraction of crystallization: 175 mg (rotation in CHCl₃:+70°)

2nd fraction of crystallization: 749 mg (rotation in CHCl₃:+65°)

3rd fraction of crystallization: 109 mg (rotation in CHCl₃:+74°)

4th fraction of crystallization: 208 mg (rotation in CHCl₃:+72°)

ESI-MS: 365.15 [M+H]⁺

56.4 5-Chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-{2-[4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxo-ethyl}-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one

200 mg (0.45 mmol) of BOP, 1.07 ml (6.17 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine and then 79 mg (0.43 mmol) of 1-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazine were added to a solution of 150 mg (0.41 mmol) of [5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]acetic acid in 2 ml of dichloromethane. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. 6 ml of a 2-molar NaOH were added to the reaction solution, and it was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (1×). The combined organic phase was again washed with water (1×) and saturated sodium chloride solution (1×), dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel (Redisep cartridge, mobile phase gradient from 2 to 50% methanol in dichloromethane). 181 mg of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

ESI-MS: 530.50 [M+H]⁺

56.5 (+)-5-Chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-{2-[4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxo-ethyl}-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one

16.3 mg (0.41 mmol, 60% w/w) of sodium hydride and, after 10 minutes, 96 mg (0.41 mmol) of 2,4-dimethoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride were added to a solution, cooled to 0° C., of 180 mg (0.34 mmol) of 5-chloro-3-(2-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)-6-fluoro-3-{2-[4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxo-ethyl}-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one in 2 ml of dimethylformamide. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for a further 50 minutes. The progress of the reaction was followed by thin-layer chromatography (silica gel, dichloromethane/methanol 15:5). Water and ethyl acetate were added to the reaction mixture. The two phases were then separated and the aqueous phase was extracted once more with ethyl acetate (1×). The combined organic phase was washed with water (1×) and saturated sodium chloride solution (1×), dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC (RP, eluents acetonitrile/water, 0.01% TFA). 116 mg (0.16 mmol, 46%, 99% purity) of the title compound were obtained as a white solid.

Rotation α (CHCl₃): plus rotation

ESI-MS: 730.55 [M+H]⁺

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, d₆-DMSO): δ [ppm] 10.20 (bs, 1H); 8.10 (m, 1H); 7.95 (m, 1H); 7.85 (d, 1H); 7.70 (d, 1H); 7.35 (d, 1H); 7.05 (t, 1H); 6.65 (m, 2H); 4.10 (m, 2H); 3.95 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.65 (s, 3H); 3.60 (m, 2H); 3.35 (m, 4H); 3.00 (m, 5H); 2.80 (s, 3H); 2.50 (s, 2H); 2.25 (m, 2H); 1.85 (m, 2H); 1.00 (t, 3H).

III. Determination of the Biological Activity

1. Vasopressin V1b Receptor Binding Assay:

Substances:

The test substances were dissolved in a concentration of 10⁻² M in DMSO and further diluted to 5×10⁻⁴ M to 5×10⁻³ M. These serial DMSO predilutions were diluted 1:10 with assay buffer. The substance concentration was further diluted 1:5 in the assay mixture (2% DMSO in the mixture).

Membrane Preparation:

CHO-K1 cells with stably expressed human vasopressin V1b receptor (clone 3H2) were harvested and homogenized in 50 mM Tris-HCl and in the presence of protease inhibitors (Roche complete Mini #1836170) using a Polytron homogenizer at intermediate setting for 2×10 seconds, and subsequently centrifuged at 40 000×g for 1 h. The membrane pellet was again homogenized and centrifuged as described and subsequently taken up in 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, homogenized and stored in aliquots frozen in liquid nitrogen at −190° C.

Binding Assay:

The binding assay was carried out by the method based on that of Tahara et al. (Tahara A et al., Brit. J. Pharmacol. 125, 1463-1470 (1998)).

The incubation buffer was: 50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4.

In the assay mixture (250 μl), membranes (50 μg/ml protein in incubation buffer) from CHO-K1 cells with stably expressed human V1b receptors (cell line hV1b_(—)3H2_CHO) were incubated with 1.5 nM ³H-AVP (8-Arg-vasopressin, PerkinElmer #18479) in incubation buffer (50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4) (total binding) or additionally with increasing concentrations of test substance (displacement experiment). The nonspecific binding was determined with 1 M AVP (Bachem #H1780). All determinations were carried out as triplicate determinations. After incubation (60 minutes at room temperature), the free radioligand was filtered off by vacuum filtration (Skatron cell harvester 7000) through Wathman GF/B glass fiber filter mats, and the filters were transferred into scintillation vials. The liquid scintillation measurement took place in a model 2000 or 2200CA Tricarb instrument (Packard). Conversion of the measured cpm into dpm was carried out with the aid of a standard quench series.

Analysis:

The binding parameters were calculated by nonlinear regression in SAS. The algorithms of the program operate in analogy to the LIGAND analysis program (Munson P J and Rodbard D, Analytical Biochem. 107, 220-239 (1980)). The Kd of ³H-AVP for the recombinant human V1b receptors is 0.4 nM and was used to determine the Ki.

2. Vasopressin V1a Receptor Binding Assay:

Substances:

The test substances were dissolved in a concentration of 10⁻² M in DMSO. Further dilution of these DMSO solutions took place in incubation buffer (50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4).

Membrane Preparation:

CHO-K1 cells with stably expressed human vasopressin V1a receptor (clone 5) were harvested and homogenized in 50 mM Tris-HCl and in the presence of protease inhibitors (Roche complete Mini #1836170) using a Polytron homogenizer at intermediate setting for 2×10 seconds, and subsequently centrifuged at 40 000×g for 1 h. The membrane pellet was again homogenized and centrifuged as described and subsequently taken up in 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, homogenized and stored in aliquots frozen in liquid nitrogen at −190° C.

Binding Assay:

The binding assay was carried out by the method based on that of Tahara et al. (Tahara A et al., Brit. J. Pharmacol. 125, 1463-1470 (1998)).

The incubation buffer was: 50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4.

In the assay mixture (250 μl), membranes (20 μg/ml protein in incubation buffer) from CHO-K1 cells with stably expressed human V1a receptors (cell line hV1a_(—)5_CHO) were incubated with 0.04 nM ¹²⁵I-AVP (8-Arg-vasopressin, NEX 128) in incubation buffer (50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4) (total binding) or additionally with increasing concentrations of test substance (displacement experiment). The nonspecific binding was determined with 1 μM AVP (Bachem #H1780). Triplicate determinations were carried out.

After incubation (60 minutes at room temperature), the free radioligand was filtered off by vacuum filtration (Skatron cell harvester 7000) through Wathman GF/B glass fiber filter mats, and the filters were transferred into scintillation vials.

The liquid scintillation measurement took place in a model 2000 or 2200CA Tricarb instrument (Packard). Conversion of the measured cpm into dpm was carried out with the aid of a standard quench series.

Analysis:

The binding parameters were calculated by nonlinear regression in SAS. The algorithms of the program operate in analogy to the LIGAND analysis program (Munson P J and Rodbard D, Analytical Biochem. 107, 220-239 (1980)). The Kd of ¹²⁵I-AVP for the recombinant hV1a receptors was determined in saturation experiments. A Kd of 1.33 nM was used to determine the Ki.

3. Vasopressin V2 Receptor Binding Assay:

Substances:

The test substances were dissolved in a concentration of 10⁻² M in DMSO. Further dilution of these DMSO solutions took place in incubation buffer (50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4).

Membrane Preparation:

CHO-K1 cells with stably expressed human vasopressin V2 receptor (clone 23) were harvested and homogenized in 50 mM Tris-HCl and in the presence of protease inhibitors (Roche complete Mini #1836170) using a Polytron homogenizer at intermediate setting for 2×10 seconds, and subsequently centrifuged at 40 000×g for 1 h. The membrane pellet was again homogenized and centrifuged as described and subsequently taken up in 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4, homogenized and stored in aliquots frozen in liquid nitrogen at −190° C.

Binding Assay:

The binding assay was carried out by the method based on that of Tahara et al. (Tahara A et al., Brit. J. Pharmacol. 125, 1463-1470 (1998)).

The incubation buffer was: 50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4.

In the assay mixture (250 μl), membranes (50 μg/ml protein in incubation buffer) from CHO-K1 cells with stably expressed human V2 receptors (cell line hV2_(—)23_CHO) were incubated with 1-2 nM ³H-AVP (8-Arg-vasopressin, PerkinElmer #18479) in incubation buffer (50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4) (total binding) or additionally with increasing concentrations of test substance (displacement experiment). The nonspecific binding was determined with 1 μM AVP (Bachem #H1780). Triplicate determinations were carried out.

After incubation (60 minutes at room temperature), the free radioligand was filtered off by vacuum filtration (Skatron cell harvester 7000) through Wathman GF/B glass fiber filter mats, and the filters were transferred into scintillation vials.

The liquid scintillation measurement took place in a model 2000 or 2200CA Tricarb instrument (Packard). Conversion of the measured cpm into dpm was carried out with the aid of a standard quench series.

Analysis:

The binding parameters were calculated by nonlinear regression in SAS. The algorithms of the program operate in analogy to the LIGAND analysis program (Munson P J and Rodbard D, Analytical Biochem. 107, 220-239 (1980)). The Kd of ³H-AVP for the recombinant hV2 receptors is 2.4 nM and was used to determine the Ki.

4. Oxytocin Receptor Binding Assay

Substances:

The substances were dissolved in a concentration of 10⁻² M in DMSO and diluted with incubation buffer (50 mM Tris, 10 mM MgCl₂, 0.1% BSA, pH 7.4).

Cell Preparation:

Confluent HEK-293 cells with transiently expressing recombinant human oxytocin receptors were centrifuged at 750×g at room temperature for 5 minutes. The residue was taken up in ice-cold lysis buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, 10% glycerol, pH 7.4 and Roche complete protease inhibitor) and subjected to an osmotic shock at 4° C. for 20 minutes. The lyzed cells were then centrifuged at 750×g at 4° C. for 20 minutes, the residue was taken up in incubation buffer, and aliquots of 10⁷ cells/ml were prepared. The aliquots were frozen at −80° C. until used.

Binding Assay:

On the day of the experiment, the cells were thawed, diluted with incubation buffer and homogenized using a Multipette Combitip (Eppendorf, Hamburg). The reaction mixture of 0.250 ml was composed of 2 to 5×10⁴ recombinant cells, 3-4 nM ³H-oxytocin (PerkinElmer, NET 858) in the presence of test substance (inhibition plot) or only incubation buffer (total binding). The nonspecific binding was determined with 10⁻⁶ M oxytocin (Bachem AG, H2510). Triplicate determinations were set up. Bound and free radioligand were separated by filtration under vacuum with Whatman GF/B glass fiber filters with the aid of a Skatron cell harvester 7000. The bound radioactivity was determined by liquid scintillation measurement in a Tricarb Beta counter, model 2000 or 2200CA (Packard).

Analysis:

The binding parameters were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis (SAS) in analogy to the LIGAND program of Munson and Rodbard (Analytical Biochem 1980; 107: 220-239). The Kd of ³H-oxytocin for the recombinant hOT receptors is 7.6 nM and was used to determine the Ki.

5. Determination of the Microsomal Half-Life:

The metabolic stability of the compounds of the invention was determined in the following assay.

The test substances were incubated in a concentration of 0.5 μM as follows: 0.5 μM test substance are preincubated together with liver microsomes from different species (from rat, human or other species) (0.25 mg of microsomal protein/ml) in 0.05 M potassium phosphate buffer of pH 7.4 in microtiter plates at 37° C. for 5 min. The reaction is started by adding NADPH (1 mg/mL). After 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min, 50 μl aliquots are removed, and the reaction is immediately stopped and cooled with the same volume of acetonitrile. The samples are frozen until analyzed. The remaining concentration of undegraded test substance is determined by MSMS. The half-life (T1/2) is determined from the gradient of the signal of test substance/unit time plot, it being possible to calculate the half-life of the test substance, assuming first order kinetics, from the decrease in the concentration of the compound with time. The microsomal clearance (mCl) is calculated from mCl=In2/T1/2/(content of microsomal protein in mg/ml)×1000 [ml/min/mg] (modified from references: Di, The Society for Biomoleculur Screening, 2003, 453-462; Obach, D M D, 1999 vol 27. N 11, 1350-1359).

6. Methods for In Vitro Determination of the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Inhibition

Luminescent Substrates for 2C9 and 3A4:

0.4 mg/ml human liver microsomes are preincubated with the test substances to be investigated (0-20 μM), the CYP-specific substrates, in 0.05 M potassium phosphate buffer of pH 7.4 at 37° C. for 10 min. The Cyp-specific substrate for CYP 2C9 is luciferin H, and for CYP 3A4 is luciferin BE. The reaction is started by adding NADPH. After incubation at RT for 30 min, the luciferin detection reagent is added, and the resulting luminescence signal is measured (modified from reference: Promega, Technical Bulletin P450-GLO™ Assays).

Midazolam CYP 3A4 Time-Dependent Inhibition

The assay consists of 2 parts. Firstly, the test substance is preincubated with the liver microsomes (with NADPH=preincubation, then addition of the substrate; in the second part the substrate and the test substance are added simultaneously=coincubation.

Preincubation:

0.05 mg/ml microsomal protein (human liver microsomes) are preincubated with 0-10 μM (or 50 μM) test substance in 50 mM potassium phosphate buffer for 5 min. The reaction is started with NADPH. After 30 min 4 μM midazolam (final concentration) are added, and incubation is continued for 10 min. 75 μl of the reaction solution are removed after 10 min, and stopped with 150 μl of acetonitrile solution.

Coincubation:

0.05 mg/ml microsomal protein (human liver microsomes) are preincubated with 4 μM midazolam (final concentration) and 0-10 μM (or 50 μM) test substance in 50 mM potassium phosphate buffer for 5 min. The reaction is started with NADPH. 75 μl of the reaction solution are removed after 10 min and stopped with 150 μl of acetonitrile solution. The samples are frozen until the MSMS analysis (modified from references: Obdach, Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Vol 316, 1, 336-348, 2006; Walsky, Drug Metabolism and Disposition Vol 32, 6, 647-660, 2004).

7. Method for Determining the Solubility in Water (in mg/ml)

The solubility in water of the compounds of the invention can be determined for example by the so-called shake flask method (as specified in ASTM International: E 1148-02, Standard test methods for measurement of aqueous solubility, Book of Standards Volume 11.05.). This entails an excess of the solid compound being put into a buffer solution with a particular pH (for example phosphate buffer of pH 7.4), and the resulting mixture being shaken or stirred until equilibrium has been set up (typically 24 or 48 hours, sometimes even up to 7 days). The undissolved solid is then removed by filtration or centrifugation, and the concentration of the dissolved compound is determined by UV spectroscopy or high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) by means of an appropriate calibration plot.

8. Results

The results of the receptor binding investigations are expressed as receptor binding constants [K_(i)(V1b)] or selectivities [K_(i)(V1a)/K_(i)(V1b)]. The results of the investigation of the metabolic stability are indicated as microsomal clearance (mCl).

The compounds of the invention show very high affinities for the V1b receptor in these assays (maximally 100 nM, or maximally 10 nM, frequently <1 nM). The compounds also show high selectivities vis-à-vis the V1a and the oxytocin (OT) receptor and a good metabolic stability, measured as microsomal clearance.

The results are listed in table 2. The numbers of the compounds refer to the synthesis examples.

TABLE 2 K_(i)(h-V1b)* K_(i)(h-V1a)/ K_(i)(h-OT)/ Example [nM] K_(i)(h-V1b)* K_(i)(h-V1b)* 1 +++ +++ +++ 2 +++ +++ +++ 3 +++ ++ +++ 4 +++ ++ +++ 5 ++ +++ +++ 6 ++ +++ +++ 7 ++ + +++ 8 ++ ++ +++ 10 ++ ++ + 11 +++ +++ +++ 12 ++ +++ +++ 13 ++ ++ +++ 14 ++ + +++ 15 ++ + +++ 16 +++ + +++ 17 ++ + +++ 18 ++ + +++ 19 +++ ++ ++ 20 ++ + ++ 21 +++ ++ +++ 22 ++ + +++ 23 +++ + +++ 26 +++ + +++ 31 + +++ + 33 ++ +++ +++ 35 ++ + + 38 +++ +++ +++ 39 +++ ++ +++ 40 ++ + +++ 41 +++ + + 42 +++ + + 43 +++ ++ +++ 45 ++ + +++ 46 ++ ++ + 50 + + ++ 51 ++ +++ ++ 52 ++ ++ + 53 ++ ++ ++ *h = human Key: K_(i)(V1b) K_(i)(h-V1a)/K_(i)(h-V1b) K_(i)(h-OT)/K_(i)(h-V1b) + >10-100 nm 10-<25 10-<25 ++ 1-10 nm 25-75 25-75 +++ <1 nm >75 >75 

1. A compound of the formula I

in which R¹ and R² are independently of one another hydrogen, C₁-C₃-alkyl, C₁-C₃-fluoroalkyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxy, C₁-C₃-fluoroalkoxy, halogen or CN; R³ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; R⁴ is ethoxy, fluorinated ethoxy or isopropoxy; R⁵ is hydrogen or methyl; R⁶ is Br, Cl, F or CN; R⁷ is Cl, F or CN; R⁸ and R⁹ are independently of one another C₁-C₃-alkyl or C₁-C₃-fluoroalkyl; X¹ is O, NH or CH₂; X² and X³ are N or CH, with the proviso that X² and X³ are not simultaneously N; X⁴ is N or CH; a and b are independently of one another 0, 1 or 2; and m, n, o and p are independently of one another 1, 2 or 3; and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.
 2. A compound of claim 1, in which R¹ is hydrogen, methoxy, ethoxy, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy or trifluoromethoxy.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. A compound of claim 1, in which R² is hydrogen or methoxy.
 6. (canceled)
 7. A compound of claim 1, in which R¹ and R² are methoxy.
 8. A compound of claim 1, in which R³ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.
 9. (canceled)
 10. A compound of claim 1, in which R⁴ is ethoxy and R⁵ is H.
 11. A compound of claim 1, in which R⁴ is 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy and R⁵ is H.
 12. A compound of claim 1, in which R⁶ and R⁷ are not simultaneously CN.
 13. A compound of claim 1, in which at least one of the radicals R⁶ and R⁷ is F.
 14. A compound of claim 13, in which R⁷ is F and R⁶ is F, Cl, Br or CN.
 15. (canceled)
 16. A compound of claim 1, in which R⁸ and R⁹ are methyl or ethyl.
 17. A compound of claim 1, in which X² is N and X³ is CH.
 18. A compound of claim 1, in which X² is CH and X³ is N.
 19. A compound of claim 1, in which X² is CH and X³ is CH.
 20. A compound of claim 1, in which X¹ is O.
 21. A compound of claim 1, in which X¹ is NH.
 22. A compound of claim 1, in which X⁴ is N.
 23. A compound of claim 1, in which a and b are
 0. 24. A compound f claim 1, of the formula I.A

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ have the meanings indicated in any of the preceding claims.
 25. A compound of claim 24 in which R¹ is methoxy; R² is methoxy; R³ is methyl or ethyl; R⁴ is ethoxy; R⁵ is H; R⁶ is Cl or CN; R⁷ is F; X¹ is NH; X² is N; X³ is CH; and X⁴ is N.
 26. A compound of claim 24 in which R¹ is methoxy; R² is methoxy; R³ is methyl or ethyl; R⁴ is ethoxy; R⁵ is H; R⁶ is Cl or CN; R⁷ is F; X¹ is NH; X² is CH; X³ is N; and X⁴ is N.
 27. A compound of claim 24 in which R¹ is methoxy; R² is methoxy; R³ is methyl or ethyl; R⁴ is ethoxy; R⁵ is H; R⁶ is Cl or CN; R⁷ is F; X¹ is CH₂; X² is N; X³ is CH; and X⁴ is N.
 28. A compound of claim 24 in which R¹ is methoxy; R² is methoxy; R³ is methyl or ethyl; R⁴ is ethoxy; R⁵ is H; R⁶ is Cl or CN; R⁷ is F; X¹ is CH₂; X² is CH; X³ is N; and X⁴ is N.
 29. A compound of claim 24 in which R¹ is methoxy or H; R² is methoxy; R³ is methyl or ethyl; R⁴ is ethoxy; R⁵ is H; R⁶ is Cl or CN; R⁷ is F; X¹ is O; X² is N; X³ is CH; and X⁴ is N.
 30. A compound of claim 24 in which R¹ is methoxy or H; R² is methoxy; R³ is methyl or ethyl; R⁴ is ethoxy; R⁵ is H; R⁶ is Cl or CN; R⁷ is F; X¹ is O; X² is CH; X³ is N; and X⁴ is N.
 31. A compound of claim 24 in which R¹ is methoxy; R² is methoxy; R³ is methyl or ethyl; R⁴ is ethoxy; R⁵ is H; R⁶ is Cl or CN; R⁷ is F; X¹ is NH; X² is N; X³ is CH; and X⁴ is CH. 32-34. (canceled)
 35. A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases selected from hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, coronary spasm, unstable angina, PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), ischemias of the heart, impairments of the renal system, edemas, renal vasospasm, necrosis of the renal cortex, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, Schwartz-Bartter syndrome, impairments of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritic vasospasm, hepatocirrhosis, gastric and, intestinal ulcers, emesis, emesis occurring during chemotherapy, travel sickness, diabetes, insulin resistance, nocturnal enuresis, incontinence, and diseases in which impairments of blood clotting occur, and/or for delaying micturition, the method comprising administering a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically accept salt thereof to a subject in need thereof. 36-41. (canceled)
 42. A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of behavioral diseases selected from depressive disorder, psychoses, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, stress-dependent anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, childhood onset mood disorders, Cushing's syndrome, memory impairment, Alzheimer's disease, vasomotor symptoms, thermoregulatory dysfunctions, schizophrenia, and stress-related diseases or disorders, the method comprising administering a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof. 43-44. (canceled)
 45. A method for treatment and/or prophylaxis of drug or pharmaceutical dependencies and/or mediated by other actors of stress caused by withdrawal of one or more factors mediating the dependence; and/or of stress-induced relapses into drug or pharmaceutical dependencies and/or dependencies mediated by other factors, the method comprising administering a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need thereof. 46-47. (canceled) 